THE last Grade 1 before the Cheltenham Festival went the way of Ireland as Fakir D’oudaries came up trumps in the Ascot Chase.

Joseph O’Brien’s raider got the better of Two For Gold after the last fence to land his third top-level success.

Walsh (far side) got the better of Two For Gold after the last fence

Jockey Mark Walsh looked in command until he whacked the second last but had enough in reserve to battle past Kim Bailey’s runner-up.

O’Brien could only watch on from his base in County Kilkenny, but thankfully his horse travelled across on Thursday morning to avoid the worst of Storm Eunice.

After the 23-5 drubbing the Brits received at last year’s Festival, Ireland’s first winner of the Ascot Chase is an ominous sign. Only Eunice’s big brother might prevent a repeat in three weeks time.

Whether O’Brien’s star makes the trip to Prestbury Park remains to be seen after such a hard race here.

The Ryanair is the obvious race for the seven-year-old and the bookies shortened him into 7-1 from 12-1 for that pot. But the mighty Allaho stuffed him by a whopping 12 lengths in that last season and he’s chased him home twice already this year.

Another crack at the Melling Chase, which he won last spring, might be the better spot.

O’Brien said: “Cheltenham and Aintree are the two most logical places. We’ll see how he comes out of today’s race and the decision will be made about Cheltenham closer to the time.

“Allaho is as good a two-and-a-half-miler as there is and we have come up against him a few times, but when you have a Grade 1 horse, you meet the best.”

AP McCoy collected the trophy on behalf of owner JP McManus

Canny Walsh kept Fakir D’oudaries widest of all throughout to keep to the best ground and his move paid dividends late in the day. Only four of the eight runners made it home with fourth-placed Mister Fisher beaten 73 lengths.

The jockey said: “He started to jump well after I took him wide and I was confident we had it until we made a mistake two out.

“People will say this is another soft Grade 1, but he’s won three of them now and he’s a proper horse.

“We’re used to chasing Allaho around but what can you do? I wouldn’t say no to another go at him!

“I lost my uncle, Michael, in the week and I’d like to dedicate this to him. He was always very supportive of me.”

Welsh wizard Sam Thomas and jockey of the moment Charlie Deutsch celebrated a double thanks to impressive youngsters Skytastic and Good Risk At All.

The pair, both owned by Dai Walters, look to have bright futures with Skytastic likely to be Aintree-bound despite being cut into 10-1 for the Ballymore.

The Gary Moore stable had a Saturday to remember as Goshen and Porticello made their trips to Wincanton and Haydock winning ones.

Goshen backed up his recent Sandown victory with a battling display to defend his crown in the Kingwell Hurdle, seeing off Adagio.

Young gun Porticello was much the best in the Victor Ludorum in horrendous conditions. He was cut into 12-1 for the Triumph but connections hinted he would need it soft to turn up there.